U.S. patent number 7,216,432 [Application Number 10/788,877] was granted by the patent office on 2007-05-15 for culinary implement with interchangeable elements.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Michael A. Poteet. Invention is credited to Michael A. Poteet.
United States Patent |
7,216,432 |
Poteet |
May 15, 2007 |
Culinary implement with interchangeable elements
Abstract
A culinary implement is disclosed that includes a handle, an
attachment arm, and a rotatable head portion. The handle has an
elongate configuration, and the attachment arm extends beyond an
end of the handle. The attachment arm incorporates a first part of
an attachment mechanism that is located proximal an end of the
attachment arm. The head portion incorporates a second part of the
attachment mechanism. The second part is joinable with the first
part to secure the head portion to the attachment arm, and the
second part is separable from the first part to detach the head
portion from the attachment arm. When the head portion is detached,
one of a plurality of alternate head portions may be secured to the
attachment arm.
Inventors: |
Poteet; Michael A. (Happy
Valley, OR) |
Assignee: |
Poteet; Michael A. (Happy
Valley, OR)
|
Family
ID: |
34887114 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/788,877 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2004 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20050188545 A1 |
Sep 1, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
30/340; 16/422;
30/142; 30/319; 30/365 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25G
1/102 (20130101); B26B 25/005 (20130101); Y10T
16/469 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
B25G
3/00 (20060101); A47J 45/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;30/340,162,151,319,142,365,306,307 ;16/422,110.1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Goodman; Charles
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Banner & Witcoff, Ltd.
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A culinary implement comprising: a handle having an elongate
configuration that defines a pair of ends and a longitudinal axis
extending through the ends; a single attachment arm secured to the
handle and extending beyond one of the ends of the handle, the
attachment arm having a non-linear configuration that defines an
end area of the attachment arm, the end area incorporating a first
part of an attachment mechanism, at least one of the end area and
the first part defining a rotation axis that is substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a head portion
rotatable about the rotation axis, the head portion having a
cylindrical configuration with a first circular side and an
opposite second circular side that is spaced from the first
circular side, and the head portion having a second part of the
attachment mechanism projecting outward from the second side, the
second part being joinable with the first part to secure the head
portion to the attachment arm, and the second part being separable
from the first part to detach the head portion from the attachment
arm, and the head portion being positioned such that the
longitudinal axis extends through the head portion and between the
first circular side and the second circular side of the head
portion, wherein the attachment arm attaches to only the second
side of the head portion and is absent from the first side of the
head portion.
2. The culinary implement recited in claim 1, wherein the culinary
implement further includes a release mechanism for separating the
first part and the second part.
3. The culinary implement recited in claim 2, wherein the release
mechanism includes an actuator and a connector, the actuator being
incorporated into the handle and accessible from an exterior of the
handle, and the connector extending through the attachment arm to
join with both the actuator and the first part.
4. The culinary implement recited in claim 1, wherein the head
portion is interchangeable with an alternate head portion, the
alternate head portion being joinable with the first part and
rotatable about the rotation axis.
5. The culinary implement recited in claim 4, wherein the head
portion has a first width and the alternate head portion has a
second width, the first width being greater than the second
width.
6. The culinary implement recited in claim 5, wherein the
longitudinal axis extends through a center of the first width when
the head portion is secured to the attachment arm, and the
longitudinal axis extends through a center of the second width when
the alternate head portion is secured to the attachment arm.
7. The culinary implement recited in claim 5, wherein a side of the
head portion defines a depression, and the end area of the
attachment arm extends into the depression when the head portion is
secured to the attachment arm.
8. The culinary implement recited in claim 1, wherein a plurality
of projections extend outward from the head portion, the
projections having a twisted configuration.
9. The culinary implement recited in claim 1, wherein a plurality
of projections extend outward from the head portion, the
projections having a pyramidal shape that defines a point and a
height axis extending inward from the point, the projections being
deformed in a direction that extends around the height axis.
10. The culinary implement recited in claim 1, wherein the head
portion is configured to perform a first function, and the handle
includes a device for performing a second function that is
different from the first function, the device being positioned at
the end located opposite the attachment arm.
11. The culinary implement recited in claim 1, wherein a plurality
of projections extend from the end of the handle located opposite
the attachment arm.
12. A culinary implement comprising: a handle with an elongate
configuration; a single attachment arm extending beyond an end of
the handle, the attachment arm incorporating a first part of an
attachment mechanism that is located proximal an end of the
attachment arm; and a rotatable head portion having a first side
and an opposite second side, the second side incorporating a second
part of the attachment mechanism, the second part being joinable
with the first part to secure the head portion to the attachment
arm, and the second part being separable from the first part to
detach the head portion from the attachment arm, and a plurality of
projections extend outward from the head portion, the projections
having a pyramidal shape that defines a point and a height axis
extending inward from the point, the projections being twisted in a
direction that extends around the height axis, wherein the
attachment arm extends adjacent to the second side of the head
portion and is absent from an area adjacent to the first side of
the head portion.
13. The culinary implement recited in claim 12, wherein the end of
the attachment arm is formed by a curved portion of the attachment
arm.
14. The culinary implement recited in claim 12, wherein the handle
is contoured to conform with a shape of a hand.
15. The culinary implement recited in claim 12, wherein the
culinary implement further includes a release mechanism for
separating the first part and the second part, the release
mechanism including an actuator and a connector, the actuator being
incorporated into the handle and accessible from an exterior of the
handle, and the connector extending through the attachment arm to
join with both the actuator and the first part.
16. The culinary implement recited in claim 12, wherein the head
portion is interchangeable with an alternate head portion, the
alternate head portion being joinable with the first part and
rotatable.
17. The culinary implement recited in claim 16, wherein the head
portion has a first width and the alternate head portion has a
second width, the first width being greater than the second width,
and a side of the head portion defines a depression, the side of
the attachment arm extending into the depression when the head
portion is secured to the attachment arm.
18. The culinary implement recited in claim 17, wherein a
longitudinal axis of the handle extends through a centerline of the
head portion when the head portion is secured to the attachment
arm, and the longitudinal axis extends through a centerline of the
alternate head portion the alternate head portion is secured to the
attachment arm.
19. The culinary implement recited in claim 12, wherein a plurality
of projections extend from an end of the handle located opposite
the attachment arm.
20. A culinary implement comprising: a handle with an elongate
configuration that defines a pair of ends and a longitudinal axis
extending through the ends; a single attachment arm extending
beyond an end of the handle; and a plurality of generally
cylindrical head portions that are interchangeably-securable to the
attachment arm and rotatable with respect to the handle and the
attachment arm, at least two of the head portions having different
width dimensions, at least one of the head portions having a first
circular side and an opposite second circular side spaced from the
first circular side, the at least one of the head portions
including a portion of an attachment mechanism projecting outward
from the second circular side to join the attachment arm to the
second circular side, the attachment mechanism being absent from
the first circular side, and the longitudinal axis extends between
the first circular side and the second circular side and is
substantially centered between the first circular side and the
second circular side.
21. The culinary implement recited in claim 20, wherein a
longitudinal axis of the handle extends through a centerline of the
width dimension of each head portion.
22. The culinary implement recited in claim 21, wherein a side of
at least one of the head portions defines a depression, the
attachment nun extending into the depression when the at least one
of the head portions is secured to the attachment arm.
23. A culinary implement comprising: a handle having an elongate
configuration that defines a pair of ends and a longitudinal axis
extending through the ends; a single attachment arm secured to the
handle and extending beyond one of the ends of the handle; a first
head portion having a generally cylindrical configuration that
includes a pair of first side surfaces and a first width dimension
extending between the first side surfaces, the first head portion
being rotatably-securable to the attachment arm such that the
longitudinal axis extends through a center point of the first width
dimension, only one of the first side surfaces being joinable with
the attachment arm to rotatably-secure the first head portion to
the attachment arm, and the first head portion being detachable
from the attachment arm, the first head portion being rotatable
about a rotation axis when the first head portions is secured to
the attachment arm the rotation axis being substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a second head portion
that is interchangeable with the first head portion, the second
head portion having a generally cylindrical configuration that
includes a pair of second side surfaces and a second width
dimension extending between the second side surfaces, the second
width dimension being greater than the first width dimension, and
the second head portion being rotatably-securable to the attachment
arm such that the longitudinal axis extends through a center point
of the second width dimension, only one of the second side surfaces
being joinable with the attachment arm to rotatably-secure the
second head portion to the attachment arm, and the second head
portion being detachable from the attachment arm, the second head
portion being rotatable about the rotation axis when the second
head portion is secured to the attachment arm at least one of the
second side surfaces defining a depression that extends toward a
center of the second head portion and along the rotation axis, the
attachment arm extending into the depression when the second head
portion is secured to the attachment arm.
24. The culinary implement recited in claim 23, wherein the
attachment arm has a curved configuration, and an end area of the
attachment arm includes a part of an attachment mechanism for
joining the first head portion and the second head portion to the
attachment arm.
25. The culinary implement recited in claim 23, wherein the
culinary implement further includes a release mechanism for
separating the first part and the second part, the release
mechanism including an actuator and a connector, the actuator being
incorporated into the handle and accessible from an exterior of the
handle, and the connector extending through the attachment arm to
join with both the actuator and the first part.
26. The culinary implement recited in claim 23, wherein a plurality
of projections extend outward from the head portion, the
projections having a twisted configuration.
27. The culinary implement recited in claim 23, wherein a plurality
of projections extend outward from the head portion, the
projections having a pyramidal shape that defines a point and a
height axis extending inward from the point, the projections being
deformed in a direction that extends around the height axis.
28. A culinary implement comprising: a handle having an elongate
configuration; and a head portion secured beyond an end of the
handle, the head portion being rotatable with respect to the
handle, and the head portion including a plurality of projections
extending outward from the head portion, the projections having a
pyramidal shape that defines a point and a height axis extending
inward from the point, the projections being twisted in a direction
that extends around the height axis.
29. The culinary implement recited in claim 28, wherein an
attachment arm extends between the handle and the head portion, the
attachment arm having a curved configuration that defines an end
area of the attachment arm, the head portion being secured to the
end area.
30. The culinary implement recited in claim 29, wherein the head
portion is detachable from the end area and interchangeable with an
alternate head portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to culinary implements. The invention
concerns, more particularly, a culinary implement with a handle and
a rotatable head portion that is interchangeable with one of a
plurality of other head portions.
2. Description of Background Art
A variety of culinary implements are utilized in the culinary arts,
including knives, tenderizers, marinating tools, and mincers, for
example. In general, each of these implements is a separate device
and, in combination, may require a significant quantity of storage
space. In order to limit the degree of storage space necessary for
such culinary implements, various multi-purpose culinary implements
have been proposed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,286 to
Stowell, et al. discloses a culinary implement that includes a
universal handle and a plurality of interchangeable portions that
include a brush, a spatula, and a spoon. U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,708 to
Thomas discloses a utensil holder for infants that includes
interchangeable forks and spoons of various configurations. In
addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,918 discloses a culinary implement
with an interchangeable cutter, peeler, and brush. Although the
various prior art devices may provide interchangeable elements, the
devices do not provide an effective structure for interchanging a
variety of rotatable elements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a culinary implement that includes a
handle, an attachment arm, and a head portion. The handle has an
elongate configuration that defines a pair of ends and a
longitudinal axis extending through the ends. The attachment arm is
secured to the handle and extends beyond one of the ends of the
handle. The attachment arm has a non-linear configuration that
defines an end area of the attachment arm, and the end area
incorporates a first part of an attachment mechanism. At least one
of the end area and the first part define a rotation axis that is
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The head
portion is rotatable about the rotation axis, and the head portion
incorporates a second part of the attachment mechanism. The second
part is joinable with the first part to secure the head portion to
the attachment arm, and the second part is separable from the first
part to detach the head portion from the attachment arm.
The culinary implement may also include a release mechanism for
separating the first part and the second part. The release
mechanism may include an actuator and a connector, the actuator
being incorporated into the handle and accessible from an exterior
of the handle, and the connector extending through the attachment
arm to join with both the actuator and the first part.
The head portion may also be interchangeable with an alternate head
portion, the alternate head portion being joinable with the first
part and rotatable about the rotation axis. In some embodiments,
the head portion has a first width and the alternate head portion
has a second width, the first width being greater than the second
width. Despite the difference in widths, the longitudinal axis
extends through a center of the first width when the head portion
is secured to the attachment arm, and the longitudinal axis extends
through a center of the second width when the alternate head
portion is secured to the attachment arm. In addition, a side of
the head portion may define a depression, and the end area of the
attachment arm may extend into the depression when the head portion
is secured to the attachment arm.
A plurality of projections may extend outward from the head
portion, and the projections may have a twisted configuration. In
some embodiments, the projections have a pyramidal shape that
defines a point and a height axis extending inward from the point,
and the projections may be deformed in a direction that extends
around the height axis.
In another aspect of the invention, the head portion may be
configured to perform a first function, and the handle may include
a device for performing a second function that is different from
the first function. The device may be positioned at the end located
opposite the attachment arm, and the device may be a plurality of
projections extend from the end of the handle located opposite the
attachment arm.
The advantages and features of novelty characterizing the present
invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended
claims. To gain an improved understanding of the advantages and
features of novelty, however, reference may be made to the
following descriptive matter and accompanying drawings that
describe and illustrate various embodiments and concepts related to
the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing Summary of the Invention, as well as the following
Detailed Description of the Invention, will be better understood
when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a culinary implement having a first
head portion, in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the culinary implement.
FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away perspective view of the culinary
implement.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the culinary
implement.
FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the culinary
implement that includes the first head portion and second through
fifth head portions.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the culinary implement with the
second head portion.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the culinary implement with the
third head portion.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the culinary implement with the
fourth head portion.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the culinary implement with the
fifth head portion.
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the culinary implement with
the fifth head portion.
FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the culinary implement with the fifth
head portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a
culinary implement 10 in accordance with the present invention.
Implement 10 is a multi-function device that is suitable for a
plurality of culinary functions, such as cutting, mincing,
flattening, marinating, or tenderizing, for example. The primary
elements of implement 10 are a handle 20, an attachment arm 30, a
variety of head portions 40a 40e, and a release mechanism 50. In
general, handle 20 provides a structure for grasping implement 10.
Attachment arm 30 extends beyond an end of handle 20, and one of
head portions 40a 40e is rotatably-secured to attachment arm 30.
Release mechanism 50 is utilized to detach one of head portions 40a
40e from attachment arm 30, thereby permitting a different one of
head portions 40a 40e to be secured to attachment arm 30.
Implement 10 is a multi-function device that is suitable for a
plurality of culinary operations, such as cutting, mincing,
flattening, marinating, or tenderizing, for example, depending upon
the specific head portion 40a 40e that is secured to attachment arm
30. A plurality of head portions with other configurations may also
be secured to attachment arm 30 in order to configure culinary
implement 10 for other culinary operations. Accordingly, head
portions 40a 40e are disclosed to provide an example of the various
head portion configurations that are intended to fall within the
scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. 1 4, implement 10 is depicted in combination
with head portion 40a, which is a rotating cutting device, such as
a pizza cutter. Head portion 40a may, however, be interchanged with
any of head portions 40b 40e, as depicted in FIG. 5. More
particularly, head portion 40a may be replaced with head portion
40b, as depicted in FIG. 6, which is a rotating mincing device that
includes three blades. Head portion 40a may also be replaced with
head portion 40c, as depicted in FIG. 7, which is a rotating
flattening device that includes a generally flat, textured surface.
In addition, head portion 40a may be replaced with head portion
40d, as depicted in FIG. 8, which is a rotating marinating device
that includes a plurality of elongate projections.
Furthermore, head portion 40a may be replaced with head portion
40e, as depicted in FIGS. 9 11, which is a rotating tenderizing
device that also includes a plurality of projections. Accordingly,
an individual may interchange or otherwise secure any of head
portions 40a 40e to attachment arm 30 in order to configure
implement 10 for a specific culinary function.
Handle 20 exhibits a generally elongate configuration that provides
a structure for grasping or holding implement 10. Handle 20 is
ergonomically-designed or otherwise contoured to conform to the
shape of the hand and provide a comfortable interface between the
hand and implement 10. For purposes of reference, handle 20
includes a rearward end 21, an opposite forward end 22, and a
longitudinal axis 23 (depicted for reference in FIG. 11) that
extends along the length of handle 20 and between ends 22 and 23.
As depicted in the various figures, handle 20 has a generally
cylindrical shape that changes in girth along longitudinal axis 23
to impart the contoured shape. More particularly, handle 20
exhibits a relatively narrow girth adjacent rearward end 21, and
handle 20 increases in girth in areas that approach forward end 22.
In other embodiments of the invention, however, handle 20 may
exhibit a less-contoured shape or may be contoured in other
respects. Accordingly, the overall configuration of handle 20 may
vary significantly within the scope of the present invention.
Attachment arm 30 extends outward from handle 20 to secure one of
head portions 40a 40e beyond forward end 22 and in alignment with
longitudinal axis 23. Accordingly, attachment arm 30 extends from a
side of handle 20 and beyond forward end 22, and attachment arm 30
has a curved, angular, or otherwise non-linear configuration that
does not interfere with the area immediately beyond forward end 22.
As will be discussed in greater detail below, head portions 40a 40e
are secured to an end of attachment arm 30 and are rotatable with
respect to handle 20 and attachment arm 30. Accordingly, the
specific shape of attachment arm 30 is selected to properly
position head portions 40a 40e relative to handle 20.
Handle 20 and attachment arm 30 are depicted in the figures as
being formed of unitary (i.e., one-piece) construction. An
advantage of the unitary construction is that handle 20 and
attachment arm 30 may be formed in a single molding or casting
operation, for example, thereby decreasing manufacturing costs.
Another advantage of the unitary construction relates to overall
durability. In use, significant forces may be induced in both
handle 20 and attachment arm 30. For example, the forces may
attempt to bend each of handle 20 and attachment arm 30, and the
forces may induce a torsional load upon attachment arm 30, for
example. Following significant use, such forces may degrade a
mechanical connection between handle 20 and attachment arm 30,
thereby limiting the utility of implement 10. Accordingly, handle
20 and attachment arm 30 are formed of unitary construction to
enhance the overall durability and useful life of implement 10. In
other embodiments of the invention, however, a sufficiently durable
mechanical connection may be formed between handle 20 and
attachment arm 30 when each are formed separately.
Suitable materials for handle 20 and attachment arm 30 include
various metal and polymer materials, for example. With regard to
metal materials, stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium provide
suitable strength and corrosion-resistance for both handle 20 and
attachment arm 30. In addition, suitable polymer materials for
handle 20 and attachment arm 30 include polyester, thermoset
urethane, thermoplastic urethane, various nylon formulations, or
blends of these materials. More particularly, handle 20 and
attachment arm 30 may be formed from a high flex modulus polyether
block amide, such as PEBAX, which is manufactured by the Atofina
Company. Polyether block amide provides a variety of
characteristics that benefit the present invention, including high
impact resistance, few property variations in the temperature range
of minus 40 degrees Celsius to positive 80 degrees Celsius, and
resistance to degradation by a variety of chemicals. Another
suitable material for handle 20 and attachment arm 30 is a
polybutylene terephthalate, such as HYTREL, which is manufactured
by E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company. Composite materials may also
be formed by incorporating glass fibers or carbon fibers into the
polymer materials discussed above, thereby enhancing the strength
of handle 20 and attachment arm 30.
Although handle 20 and attachment arm 30 may be formed from a
single material, two or more materials may form handle 20 and
attachment arm 30 in some embodiments of the invention. For
example, a pair of elements 24 may extend over portions of handle
20 in order to provide a slip-resistant and semi-compressible
covering for enhancing the comfort of implement 10. Elements 24 may
be formed from a foam or rubber material, for example, that is both
durable and resistant to chemical degradation. Although elements 24
may be secured to the exterior of handle 20, elements 24 may also
be recessed into handle 20.
Release mechanism 50 operates to secure head portion 40a (or one of
the other head portions 40b 40e) to attachment arm 30 and also
release head portion 40a from attachment arm 30. Referring to FIGS.
3 and 4, the various components of release mechanism 50 include an
actuator 51, a connector 52, a bushing 53, a spring 54, and a
plurality of bearings 55. Actuator 51 extends through or is
otherwise accessible through an aperture 25 that is formed in a
removable access element 26 of handle 20 and attachment arm 30. One
of elements 24 may extend over aperture 25 and actuator 51 to
prevent matter from entering handle 20 through aperture 25.
Accordingly, actuator 51 extends through a lower area of handle 20
and is operable by the individual. Connector 52 is joined to
actuator 51 and extends through attachment arm 30 to join with
bushing 53, which has a generally cylindrical configuration and is
located in an end of attachment arm 30. Spring 54 is joined to
actuator 51 and depressably-holds actuator 51 in position within
aperture 25. In addition, bearings 55 protrude through apertures in
bushing 54 and form protrusions on the inner surface of bushing 54.
Although this configuration of release mechanism 50 provides a
suitable manner of securing and releasing head portions 40 40e, a
variety of other mechanisms may also be utilized within the scope
of the present invention.
In order to secure head portion 40a to attachment arm 30, an
individual aligns a ribbed or otherwise grooved protrusion 41 on
head portion 40a (and on each of head portions 40b 40e) with an end
of attachment arm 30, which corresponds with the location of
bushing 53. The individual then presses upon head portion 40a until
protrusion 41 extends into bushing 53. As protrusion 41 extends
into bushing 53, bearings 55 project into the various grooves of
protrusion 41 and effectively prevent removal of protrusion 41,
thereby securing head portion 40a to attachment arm 30.
In addition to securing head portion 40a to attachment arm 30,
release mechanism 50 also operates to release or otherwise separate
head 40a from attachment arm 30. In order to remove protrusion 41
from bushing 53, the individual depresses actuator 51, which impels
connector 52 to move forward and dislocate bushing 53. An interior
surface of attachment arm 30 is textured to include a plurality of
grooves that are similar in configuration to the grooves on
protrusion 41. When head portion 40a is secured within bushing 53,
bearings 55 are held in position by the ridges or protruding
portions of the grooves. When bushing 53 is dislocated, however,
bearings 55 may retreat from the apertures in bushing 53 and extend
into the grooves. When placed within the grooves, bearings 55 do
not protrude significantly through the apertures in bushing 54, and
protrusion 41 may slide from bushing 53, thereby releasing head
portion 40a from attachment arm 30. The individual may then release
actuator 51, which returns to its original position due to the
presence of spring 54.
Head portion 40a has the configuration of a rotating cutting
device, such as a pizza cutter, that includes a single circular
rotating blade. In operation, an individual grasps handle 20 and
places head portion 40a in contact with a foodstuff. The individual
then rolls head portions 40a against the foodstuff until a desired
amount of cutting is achieved. Accordingly, head portion 40a
rotates relative to handle 20 and attachment arm 30. The rotational
movement of head portion 40a may be achieved by locating bearings
at the interface of protrusion 41 and the primary, circular portion
of head portion 40a. Alternately, the rotational movement of head
portion 40a may be achieved by designing release mechanism 50 such
that protrusion 41 rotates relative to bushing 53, or by designing
release mechanism 50 such that protrusion 41 and bushing 53 rotate
relative to handle 20 and attachment arm 30. An advantage of
designing release mechanism 50 to impart the rotational movement is
that a secure, non-rotatable connection may be formed between
protrusion 41 and the remainder of head portion 40a. Accordingly, a
variety of rotational mechanisms may be incorporated into implement
10 in order to promote the rotational movement of head portion
40a.
Head portion 40b has the configuration of a rotating mincing device
that includes three circular rotating blades that are spaced from
each other. Whereas head portion 40a forms a single cut in a
foodstuff, head portion 40b forms three parallel cuts that may be
utilized to form strips of the foodstuff or to mince the foodstuff.
In general, the three blades exhibit the same diameter as the blade
of head portion 40a, but may also have a different diameter. In
addition, two or four blades, for example, may be incorporated into
head portion 40b.
Head portion 40c has the configuration of a rotating flattening
device that includes a generally flat, textured surface. Whereas
head portions 40a and 40b cut or mince the foodstuff, head portion
40c is utilized to flatten or otherwise smooth the foodstuff. In
some embodiments of the present invention, the surface of head
portion 40c may be entirely smooth and untextured to prevent or
otherwise limit slippage of implement 10 relative to the foodstuff.
As depicted in the figures, however, the surface of head portion
40c has a plurality of linear and y-shaped ridges.
Head portion 40d is a rotating marinating device that includes a
plurality of elongate projections. In operation, the projections
extend into the foodstuff and form perforations in the foodstuff,
thereby permitting a marinade or other liquid to enter the
foodstuff. Head portion 40e is a rotating tenderizing device that
includes a plurality of projections that are both wider and shorter
than the projections of head portion 40d. The differing dimensions
of the projections configure head portion 40e to be suitable for
tenderizing the foodstuff. The projections of both head portions
40d and 40e exhibit a twisted configuration. More particularly,
each of the projections are depicted as having a generally
pyramidal shape that defines a point and a height axis extending
inward from the point, and the projections are deformed in a
direction that extends around the height axis. Accordingly, the
projections generally have the configuration of a twisted pyramid.
An advantage of the twisted configuration of the projections is
that the foodstuff is not only perforated, but also stretched.
Although the pyramidal shape of the projections depicted in the
figures has four discrete sides, the pyramidal shape may have three
discrete sides within some embodiments of the invention. In
addition, other twisted shapes may be utilized for the various
projections, such as the twisted configuration of a corkscrew
shape, for example. In some embodiments, the projections may also
exhibit a non-twisted configuration.
The relative locations of the various elements of implement 10 have
an effect upon the usability and comfort of implement 10, and will
now be discussed with reference to FIG. 11. In general, handle 20
and head portion 40e (and the other head portions 40a 40d when
secured to attachment arm 30) are located such that longitudinal
axis 23 of handle 20 extends through a centerline 42 of head
portion 40e when secured to attachment arm 30. In other words,
longitudinal axis 23 is aligned with a central area of head portion
40e. This configuration limits the degree of torsional force that
is transferred to handle 20 during use of implement 10. If, for
example, longitudinal axis 23 and centerline 42 of head portion 40e
were not aligned, the torsional force would induce a twisting in
handle 20 that may be perceived by the individual, and the
individual would have to resist or otherwise counter the torsional
force with additional effort. By aligning longitudinal axis 23 and
centerline 42 of head portion 40e, however, the torsional force is
significantly reduced or eliminated. Similar considerations apply
to head portions 40a 40d.
Head portions 40a 40e each exhibit different widths, but are each
configured such that the various centerlines 42 of each head
portion 40a 40e align with longitudinal axis 23. For example, head
portion 40e has a significantly greater width than head portion
40a. In order to ensure that the centerlines 42 of head portions
40a and 40e are aligned with longitudinal axis 23 when secured to
attachment arm 30, the side of head portion 40e with protrusion 41
forms a depression 44 that receives attachment arm 30. In other
words, the sides of each head portion 40a 40e are configured to
locate protrusion 41 such that centerlines 42 align with
longitudinal axis 23. A depression 44 is also formed in each of
head portions 40c and 40d. In general, the depth of depression 44
increases as the width of head portions 40c and 40d increase, and
the depth of depression 44 decreases as the width of head portions
40c and 40d decrease. Due to the lesser overall width of head
portions 40a and 40b, neither of these include a structure that
corresponds with depression 44. Accordingly, depression 44 permits
centerlines 42 of the various head portions 40c 40e to align with
longitudinal axis 23.
Another feature of implement 10 that enhances the usability and
comfort is the relative orientations of handle 23 and head portion
40a. Referring to FIG. 11, a rotational axis 43 of head portion 40e
(and the other head portions 40b 40e when secured to attachment arm
30) is perpendicular to longitudinal axis 23. In use, the
individual typically attempts to move head portion 40e in the
direction of centerline 42, which is perpendicular to rotational
axis 43. By orienting rotational axis 43 perpendicular to
longitudinal axis 23, the individual naturally moves head portion
40e in the direction of longitudinal axis 23 and centerline 42.
Head portions 40a 40e provide a first culinary function, which
includes either cutting, mincing, flattening, marinating, or
tenderizing, for example. Implement 10 may be configured to provide
a second culinary function that is separate from the function
provided by head portions 40a 40e. Referring to rearward end 21 of
handle 20, a generally textured area of handle 20 is depicted. The
texture includes a plurality of relatively sharp projections that
may be utilized for tenderizing the foodstuff. Accordingly, handle
20 may be configured to provide another culinary function. In
addition to projections that are suitable for tenderizing, a blade
that is suitable for cutting or a corkscrew, for example, may be
included in rearward end 21. Accordingly, handle 20 may be
configured to impart a second culinary function to implement
10.
Various features of implement 10 are disclosed in the above
discussion. One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate,
however, that the general structure of implement 10 may be modified
significantly without altering the general function of implement
10. For example, different head portions 40a 40e may be modified to
provide different culinary functions, a magnetic attachment system
may replace release mechanism 50, or the shape of handle 20 may be
modified. Accordingly, the present invention is disclosed above and
in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of
embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to
provide an example of the various features and concepts related to
the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled
in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and
modifications may be made to the embodiments described above
without departing from the scope of the present invention, as
defined by the appended claims.
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